Do you hear that? It is the sound of a crisp autumn breeze blowing through Québec City. The smell of freshly baked bread permeates the early morning air and both locals and visitors can be seen taking in every inch of this incredible city while eyes marvel at the history around every corner. Slow things down and use all your senses to discover what Québec City has to offer. Take time to explore the local history and the culture, sit and relax at a café or pack a picnic and enjoy some time in one of the many parks-like Parc national de la Jacques-Cartier—and stroll through Old Québec to be whisked away to Europe. No matter what you choose to do here, let your vibe be one with slowing down and enjoying every moment in Québec City.
Take in the History
With more than 400 years of history to explore, soaking in all the heritage the city has to offer fills visitors with fascination. Old Québec is the ideal place to pique your curiosity within this Old Fortress City surrounded by narrow cobblestone streets and home to a UNESCO World-Class Heritage site. Feel the European beauty and charm while encompassing the heritage and culture, with boutiques, restaurants and outdoor cafés around every corner; explore the Citadelle, the largest British Fortress in North America or stop by the Musée de la civilization and learn more about the French-Canadian culture; shop until you drop on one of the oldest shopping streets in North America, Petit-Champlain. However you choose to immerse yourself in the history of Québec City, be sure to take it all in, one marvel at a time.
Francis FontaineLocated in Old Québec, a one-of-a-kind and unique holistic experience can be had at Monastère des Augustines. Occupying the historic wings of the Hôtel-Dieu de Québec monastery (1639), the Monastère des Augustines takes up the site of the first hospital built on the continent several centuries ago. Nowadays, visitors and locals come here for revitalization, combining culture and wellness. The best part? You can create your own itinerary whether you want to learn about raw food, attend an inspirational conference, do some yoga, meditate, get an in-house massage or see the reflexologist. The Monastery is a haven of tranquility and a treat for your wellbeing. Once you feel zen, take a stroll to the onsite Augustine Museum and Heritage Centre which houses a collection of some 40,000 artifacts!
Slow and Stroll
Francis FontaineLocated 30 minutes from Old Québec, Parc national de la Jacques-Cartier is a nature lovers dream, and it is considered a natural historical monument in one of Québec's most beautiful glacial valleys. It boasts 67 000 sq. acres spanning over 100 km of hiking trails with a boating river right smack in the centre of it so feel free to grab a kayak and canoe and explore the aquatic route allowing the mind, body and soul to take in every scenic and serene moment. During the winter months, snowshoeing, hiking, Nordic skiing, backcountry Hok skiing, wilderness skiing or kick sledding can be enjoyed or take the childlike approach and go fat biking out on the snow, race down the hill on a sled or take a leisurely skate.
Rent a bike and explore the city as you ride through the many vibrantly coloured fall parks like Promenade Samuel-De Champlain, an urban park that runs along the banks of the St. Lawrence River and an ideal setting to grab some local food on-the-go or stop and have a picnic while taking in all of the stunning scenery and peaceful moments; Parc de la Chute-Montmorency is one of the most popular parks in Québec City where people come from far and wide to admire the majestic Montmorency Falls—30 metres higher than Niagara Falls! For a unique experience, give the via ferrata a climb or soar down the double zipline. For more water adventures, take in the city views from a different angle on the St. Lawrence River and board the ferry or book a boat tour while enjoying the fresh fall breeze. Admire the magnificent landscapes, including Cap Diamant —beautifully lit up at night—as well as the steep cliffs of Lévis; go for a stroll around the biggest historic borough in Québec in Île d’Orléans. With six villages to discover, each offering its own unique story and characteristics, visitors can explore the history and attractions of each municipality. The island offers rural landscapes, hundred‑year‑old homes, artisans and delicious local products to be sampled at your leisure.
Francis FontaineSupporting Local
After a day of explorations and riding around town, reward yourself with a stop at Québec City’s newest gourmet food destination, the Grand Marché de Québec (The Grand Market). Open every day, the market houses over one hundred local purveyors and artisan vendors like market butchers, bakers, chocolatiers, cheese makers, pastry chefs, fruit and vegetable producers picking fresh products each morning, and fishmongers. Take your time going down each aisle and become intoxicated by the aromas of freshly brewed coffee and baked bread and stop and speak with the local vendors about their selection of flavours for an authentic Québecois experience. Québec City is huge on supporting agrotourism and is known for the abundance and diversity of its agricultural products and for its knowledgeable farmers. By supporting local and buying regional, places like Grand Marché an offer visitors the very best the region has to offer.
Gaëlle LeroyerNo matter where you plan to travel, make sure you check the Travel Advice and Advisories page for your destination twice: once when you are planning your trip, and again shortly before you leave. Safety and security conditions may change between the date you book your travel and your departure date.
